Unmanned F-16 Breaks Sound Barrier In First Flight

25 September 2013
Last week, for the first time, the U.S. Air Force flew a zombie F-16, an unmanned version of the F-16 that has flown with pilots for millions of hours. During the test, the aircraft broke the sound barrier. The unmanned jet, the QF-16, was able to achieve all the maneuvers of the piloted craft. Instead of being a hunter drone, this jet is expected to be a faster, more agile target for fighter pilot training, an upgrade on the Vietnam-era F-4 now used. Once these flight tests are completed, the jets will be sent to Holloman Air Force Base for air-to-ground control system and live-fire testing. They are expected to be fielded next year. (Image Credit: U.S. Air Force / Staff Sgt. Javier Cruz)More Info > (Air Force Times)